MONROE — Michigan State Police Trooper Richard Northrup has received what he calls the "crowning jewel" of his 381⁄2-year career.

Northrup, who works at the Adrian detachment of the Monroe post, was given the 2012 Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker Trooper of the Year award Thursday at a ceremony in Lansing. He is set to retire Feb. 28.

Each year, the award recognizes a state trooper or sergeant who demonstrates professional ethics and dedication to duty, and who gives back to the community. In addition to Northrup's award, the state police recognized David Haynes from the Monroe post as the motor carrier officer of the year.

Northrup is the senior trooper at the Monroe post and has served for more than 35 years in Lenawee County, according to a news release. A 1973 graduate of Howell High School, he attended Michigan State University for a year prior to joining the state police.

He began his career with the state police in 1974 as a service trooper at the Jackson post. After graduating from the 90th Trooper Recruit School in 1977, he was assigned to the Blissfield team of the Clinton post. In 1987, he transferred to the Adrian post and in 2011 to the Monroe post.

"This (award) is a crowning jewel on a long and good career," Northrup said Friday.

Northrup's contribution to the Boy Scouts was one of the reasons he was selected for the award, said 1st Lt. Tony Cuevas.

"Having him recognized in this way is a great source of pride for us," Cuevas said Friday. "He has always provided leadership qualities at the post."

Northrup has been a member of Boy Scouts for 47 years and is an Eagle Scout. In 2011, he was named Area Two commissioner for the Central Region, including membership on the Central Region Board.

Last year, he was named the first council commissioner for the new Michigan Crossroads Council in the lower peninsula, and he is also a member of the National Council. He was recognized by the former Great Sauk Trail Council with the national Silver Beaver Award for his accomplishments and leadership efforts on behalf of the council and its youth.

Northrup and his wife, Patricia, a retired school teacher, live in Tecumseh. They have three adult sons, Joseph, Bart, and John.